Long considered the bible of commanding officers at sea, this classic guide covers virtually every subject of relevance to the command of a U.S. Navy ship. The first revision in 15 years, the fifth edition represents a major update, with new material on topics from assuming command and relations with the crew to fleet operations and combat. It addresses the many aspects of seagoing command practice and maritime operations that have changed as a result of lessons learned from operations in the Persian Gulf, Bosnia, and Haiti. Changes in the Unified Command Plan are indicated by shifts in the commanding officer's chain of command.